MDA to attempt bringing uniformity among ADCs

Staff ReporterSHILLONG, Oct 03: The Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government will attempt to bring in a semblance of parity in the three Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) of the state by way of uniform rules, as was informed by the state’s District Council Affairs Minister, James Sangma.Having chaired a review meeting of issues relating to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) and the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) here on Wednesday, James said, “We have decided to try and bring sort of uniformity in all the three ADCs.”

He also said that he had also reviewed the expenditure and introduction of NOTA in the upcoming elections to the district councils to be held next year.Asked about the amendment of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India that is a work in progress, James said, “There is no certain timeline that we can expect on the amendment of the sixth schedule, it is being examined by the ministry of home affairs and it will be prepared as an amendment Bill, it will table in the parliament and refer to select committee so it takes a long time.”“Therefore, we will carry on with our exercise and the elections will be conducted but when the sixth schedule is amended, gradually we will incorporate those amendments,” he added.On the introduction of Tenth Schedule in the ADCs, James said, “This is again subjected to amendment of the sixth schedule. If it does happen it will find a place in the amendment of sixth schedule.”